The arrival of Lina Khan, professor of law at Columbia University in New York, as president of the American competition agency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), disturbs GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon). To the point that Amazon submitted, Wednesday, June 30, a complaint to the American competition authority, asking it to ensure that its manager does not deal with antitrust cases involving her.
The tech and e-commerce giant claims that Mr.me Khan has previously criticized Amazon’s weight in the market, which he says prevents him from being impartial when it comes to investigations concerning him.
Mme Khan, known for her hostility to monopolies on big tech platforms, was sworn in as chairman of the five-member FTC, with a maximum of three from the same political party, on June 15. For Amazon, she built her career claiming the group violated antitrust laws.
“Amazon should be treated like all large organizations”, can we read in a copy of the complaint obtained by Agence France-Presse (AFP). “Even large companies have the right to an impartial investigation. “ The FTC did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.
Takeover of MGM studios by Amazon
Amazon’s claim was filed as the FTC prepares to review its deal to buy famous MGM studios for $ 8.45 billion (€ 7.12 billion), which would give it access to a vast content catalog to support its ambitions in the field of streaming.
This acquisition would strengthen Amazon Prime Video in this rapidly evolving market, with some 4,000 films – including the James Bond franchise – and 17,000 television shows.
Mme Khan first rose to prominence in academia in 2017, while still a student, by publishing an article titled ” Amazon’s antitrust paradox In the Yale University Law Journal.
She considered that the American legislative arsenal was insufficient to fight against the monopolistic practices of groups like the giant of online commerce.